Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Loving Them For Who They Are

Despite the fact that the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is known by just about every human within the age of reason in the United States and lots of the rest of the world too, I think it can still be put to good use. In the world of marketing, how do things sell? Outside looks. The iPhone 9000 may be the exact same phone as the iPhone 8,999, but if it looks sleeker or thinner or has an extra widget on it, all those people that bought the iPhone last year will go out and buy it again. Consumerism.

I think we deal with people the same way. We look for the thin ones, the good looking ones, the smart ones. The popular ones. Doesn't matter if we have one iota in common with them, if they're popular, we want them to think we're cool too. Popularity, acceptance, call it what you will. It's ok to want it. N body wants to feel left out, its only natural.  But what about the other kids? the ones who are off in the corner alone? Do you reach out to them?

I'm not going to turn this into an anti-bullying speech or something along those lines. But the saying "High School never ends" is true. There are always the cliques, the populars, the trends, the gossip, the rumors, the rejects. In all stages of life, its part of a fallen world.

When some people look at kids with a special need like Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsey, etc., all they can see is the word "disability" labeled on them. They see the problems they'd face in the real world. That some could never live on their own. And they look away. In shame, in disgust, in shock, whatever. They don't want to see something that's not "perfect-looking" on the outside.

But I think if  most people's insides and outsides matched, the "beautiful" ones in the world's eye would be like the Turkey in Christmas Vacation: It looks nice and juicy on the outside, but when you cut into it its just a bunch of hot air.

It breaks my heart to see some of the challenges these kids are faced with because of their Down Syndrome, or crossed eyes, or whatever. How I wish it would change so people didn't see someone beyond rescuing, but a child in need of love. Just see them for who they are: people with feelings and hearts that need healing and support just like the rest of us. So many times, we let the crossed eyes or the missing limb or some other ailment get in the way of seeing the true beauty in these kids hearts. They are literally happier than most of us are in the happiest day of our lives without a single thing most of us have: A home, an iPod, a laptop, a room, a bed...

A Family.

When I met my little friend Sonya, she was literally just happy to get a smile and hear her name. And holding her hands sent her through the roof for Joy. I literally just had to pop my cheeks to get the overjoyed smile of that picture I got. While she didn't know it, the clothes she was wearing weren't hers. The crib she practically lived in wasn't hers. And while she isn't faced with that fear now, she probably had less than a year before she would face the  imminent death sentence of Institutional Transfer.


Now think if each and every one of us had Sonya's little joy, coupled with the love we know our Father has overflowing from Heaven itself for us, can you imagine the way the world would be?

There are two more little girls facing that fear right now:


















Shawna and Lindsay.

Please be praying for them. God has got something big in store with these two girls for sure, I can feel it! Again, once I have the permission from my sources to disclose full info, I will, but for now, pray with what you know and know more is coming ;)

God bless, thank you for praying, and keep spreading the word and SPEAKING FOR THE SILENT!

P.S.- new Child of the Week next week. This week is already almost half-gone and its gonna be nuts for me. Thanks for your understanding!

4 comments:

  1. Amen. May everyone someday come to know that no matter what a person looks like on the outside, they are a beautiful gift from God waiting to be found on the inside.

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  2. Blessed Pope John Paul II, through your powerful intercession, please bless Shawna and Lindsay with a loving Mommy and Daddy. Amen.

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  3. Caleb I was able to post to Amy's Part 2. Your blog has made me feel good. I like what you are doing, may God Bless you and your family. Papa said that

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  4. Oh, you must go to RR to see Shawna and Lindsay's new pictures!

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